Storage tank



Feb. 23, 1954 A. F. FINO ET AL 70,100

STORAGE TANK Filed June 15, 1951 3 Shets-Sheet l FIG.I.

INVENTORSZ ALEXANDER F. Fmo &

FRED L. PLUMMER,

6.4510,.h mdww ATTORN EY Feb. 23, 1954 A. F. FINO ET AL 2,670,100

STORAGE TANK Filed June 13, 1951 I5 SheetsSheet 2 INVENTORS:

ALEXANDER F. FINO a Fngo L. PLUMMER,

ATTORNEY Feb. 23, 1954 A. F. FINO ET AL 2,670,100

STORAGE TANK Filed June 15, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG. 5.

INVENTORSI FIG. 8. ALEXANDER F. Fmo a FRED L. Pwmuen,

BY 4Q ATTORNEY Patented Feb. 23, 1954 umrso STATES STORAGE TANK Alexander F. Fino and Fred L. Plummer, Warren,

Pa., assignors to Hammond Iron Works, Warren, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application June 13, 1951, Serial No. 231,408

contents of the tank, for example high octane gasoline and any of its valuable vapor volume above the liquid are to be sealed against the atmosphere by means of a diaphragm of gasimpervious flexible material peripherally fastened to the inner face of the tank along a horizontal line intermediate the top and bottom of the tank.

Such a diaphragm may be generally bucketshaped and capable of bulging downwardly or upwardly from the line of fastening so as to adjust itself automatically to variations in the volume of the gasoline or of the vapor or of both in the tank, while the weight of the diaphragm exercises a substantially fixed although light counter pressure upon the fluids or vapor in the tank.

Such a diaphragm is fastened to the tank wall by means of a flange connected gas-imperviously with the tank as well as with the peripheral edge portion of the diaphragm, which flange is normally of minimum width to minimize the extent of its projection into the tank, in order that any hindrance by the fastening means or interference between the diaphragm and the fastening means be avoided, and that optimum smoothness in the operation of the diaphragm might be attained.

In accordance with such volumetric variations of the contents the bottom portion of such a :1:

bucket-shaped diaphragm will move upwardly or downwardly between extreme upright and inverted position of the bucket shape, with the bottom portion moving upwardly or downwardly past the peripheral diaphragm securing line and through the effective opening of the flange. In-

, deed, in one embodiment of such a diaphragm the construction thereof is such that when the bottom portion moves upwardly or downwardly it forms in its intermediate stages an annular depending fold concentric with the periphery, the diameter of which fold decreases as the bottom portion moves either downwardly or upwardly towards the line of fastening. In this way the bottom portion may in effect shrink to a minimum as the bottom portion moves through the flange opening and again expand as it moves away from the flange until it reaches either its lower end position in the fully developed upright bucket shape or its upper end position in the fully developed although inverted bucket shape of the diaphragm. Other embodiments are possible that offer a solution to this-problem, so this one should be taken as illustrative.

flhis effective shrinking and expandingof the obstacle.

ATENT OFFICE diaphragm in the operation of some type of diameter-reducing folding keeps the diaphragm out of frictional sliding contact with the tank .walls and thus avoids harmful abrasive action between the wall and the diaphragm material. Instead, when adjusting itself volumetrically to the varying contents of the tank the diaphragm will roll itself onto or unpeel itself from the tank wall non-frictionally.

'Such a diaphragm may be disposed to operate at least in partial contact with or resting upon the liquid with the annular fold depending into the liquid, or it may be arranged to operate so that it normally is in contact only with the vapor above the liquid. In each instance of arrangement or operation a problem arises if and when it is desired to provide inside the tank suitable structure jutting from the wall from which an operator could inspect and survey the diaphragm or from which its operation could be observed, since, on the face of it, such structure would be expected to interfere with or obstruct the operation of the diaphragm.

Another problem in a diaphragm-equipped tank lies in how to provide automatic vent means for equalizing excessive pressure as well as vacuum, or a sample-pipe, or both extending through the top of the tank and into the body of liquid with the diaphragm interposed as a septum or Indeed, a baffling problem lies in how to provide straight vertical vent and sample pipes within the tank without penetration of the dia phragm.

Therefore, it is one object of this invention to provide internal platform structure which is noninterfering with respect to the operation of the diaphragm.

Another object is to provide a simple and inexpensive arrangement of vent and sample pipes extending within the tank and reaching from above the top to a point below the diaphragm, whereby the diaphragm is nevertheless by-passed even though the pipes are straight and vertical.

Whereas one or more manholes may be provided in the tank walls, and whereas such manholes require maintenance, a particular problem lies in providing simple and direct passage means between the tank space below the diaphragm and the tank space above the diaphragm, so that fresh air may be forced sequentially and effectively through the lower tank space and the upper tank space for the purpose of scavenging the entire interior of the tank for rendering it gas free. Another purpose of such passage means according to this invention is that of enabling workmen to enter the lower tank space from above or to enter the upper tank space from below the diaphragm expeditiously, or to enable a crew below to communicate with a crew above the diaphragm as directly as possible. Hence, it is an object to provide simple and direct access to the interior of the tank-below .thcdiaphragm namely-without penetrationof the tank wall, xas'well as without penetration of the diaphragm.

All three objects are attainable at once according to this invention by having the internal flange include and formed with or embodying in'ita horizontally inwardly protrudingplatform whereby the flange opening in plan zview'gpresents a deviation from the circular outlineofathextank, 5

and having the edge portionof the diaphragm fastened to the flange along the deviated outline thereof. Indeed these objects are thus attainable because of the discovery that such deviation if esuitably formed and proportioned ;.is..non1inter- .fering and .nomobstructive with .respect .to .the reparation .of the diaphragm such .as. above out- .lined. .According to. this invention,.the.ventiand sample pipesare disposed .to .extend through and ..be.sealed in .the ,platforroitself, .thus enabling themzto-extend fixedly-straight from outside the top .to a point .below the platform, thus bypassing the diaphragm as well. as .the tank-wall anduleaving the-diaphragm .to operate properly .and unaffected. :Furthermoreinorder toaficrd .access .to the :tank .interior .below .the diaphragm,

.a manhole with detachable coverinay be pro- .vided .in .the platform. .In this wayaccess .is obtainable while .by-passing the diaphragm .-as well as the. tank wall, provided .thatLthe platform .is accessible, for examplethrough amanholeiin .the-topof the tank.

.Another problem .lies in the construction of ;the peripheral fastening ..means .for .the dia- .,phragm,..in view of .the requirement .that the ..fastening means .shouldbesimple to install by being fully accessible frombelowthe diaphragm, :..and .should .be gas-impervious as .well as non- .interfering andcnonwharmful with respect to .the operation .of .the ..diaphragm. .Hence, .it isan- .-.otherobject. to provide improved simplified fasteningmeans for the. edges .of .the diaphragm.

According .to ronefeature the platform being .embodied in .the internal flange .appears..gen-

,.erally:crescent-shapedinplan.view with the. line .of diaphragm. fastening following the crescentshape.

.More.specifically, .the ,platform presents. a. rela- .tively gentle .or. shallow .,bu1ge .merging with the .adjoining,circular-portions.of .the. flange, and the linear measure of the full circular outlineisequal to that ,of :the. deviating .outline. .Thatlistc .say, the deviating .outline .comprises .a ,convex central .portioniflanked .by .and. merging :with .apair ,of concave portions, .the .radius ..of the .convexity dieing larger .than the. radii .of .the concavities. .Theconcave,.portionsin turn-mer ge tangentially .withthe adj oining. circularportions oflthe flange.

..According .to .-.another feature the vent .and sample .pipes .are disposed .within the ,tank yet .outs'idethe .edge .of the diaphragm-by extending .through and .-.being sealedlin the platform. ..Also,

raccordingto.thisfeature.these.pipes beingrigidly the edgeportion of the diaphragm extends vertically downwardly within the skirt portion and is fastened face to face thereto. This permits the diaphragm to be fastened by workmen operating at one side of the diaphragm only, namely underneath where they can support themselves as by ladders or scaffolding from the tank bottom. .Also, 'thiseliminates the .danger of tools .or.other:items-Ifallingonto the diaphragm and damaging the same, and whence they are difiicult to retrieve.

In summary, this invention provides an internal marginal platform for the tank, which ;;p1atf.orm-eXtending from the tank wall in effect :merges with :a corresponding inwardly bulging ";.edge;-portion of .the diaphragm. This platform serves a three-fold purpose, namely providing straight'verticalaccess for the sampling pipe and for :theypressure equalizing pipe into the fluid holding space beneath-the diaphragm, whereby .the pipes .in turn. furnish structural .supportior ..the platform ;.providing an observation and main- .tenanceplatform; and providing by wayof ;a platform -manhole simple and direct passage means between the flower audit-he .upper tank spaces. .The .edgeportion of the diaphragmis fastened ..to .the downward skirt portion of the horizontal flange inrsuch amannerthat itrcan .be manipulated orifastened by a crew wholly operatingQfrom the bottom of'the'tank and from .underneaththe diaphragm.

.Theinvention maybe embodied in otherspecific forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. "The present embodiment-is therefore to be. considered in all respectsasillustrative .and notrestrictive, the scope .of .the inventionbeingiindicated by the appended claims rather than by the'foregoing description,..and. all changes which .come within the meaning .and -range of equivalency of the claims .are therefore inten'dedtobe embraced therein.

.In theJdrawings: Figure. lis a perspective view of'the tank with .a por-tionof the tank wallbroken away to.show theplatform construction and the diaphragmin .an intermediate condition. depending ."from its marginalfastening means.

Eigure'Zis aplan view of-the tank of'Figure 1 with the top partly brokenaway gto show'the platform asviewed, from above. 4

'FigureBis an enlarged side viewnf thetank of Figures 1 and.i2 with awall portionbrokeniaway toshow theplatform in vertical'section indicatingthe manner of fasteninggtheedge portionof the diaphragm to theplatform and tottheflange. ."Figure 4 is a greatlyenlarged detail plan view of theplatform showing more clearly the-deviating crescent-shaped configuration-thereof relative to the circular flange.

. Figure. 5 is -a section:of the'platform with'diaphragm'fastening taken:oniline"5 5 of Figurey i. Figured is:asection of-the 'fiange with diaphragm fastening taken on line 6-6 .of Figure-.4. Figure '7 is a diagrammatic vertical'sectional view of a;tank exemplifying a diaphragm with concentric fold. contacting the liquid in the tank. Figure 8 is a diagrammatic vertical sectional view of a tank with domeexemplifying a diaphragm .deformable "by-"the pressure of vapor formingabove the liquid level. j

A closed round metal tank Ill equipped with a diaphragm H of fiexible'material-suoh as"rubber sheeting exemplifies: the environment ;of this invention. The tank has ,a'bottom l'2,',an' upright cylindrical-wall Wand afixed'top'i'fi. A horizontal flange l5 having a downward skirt portion I6 is peripherally welded to the inner face of the "tank wall l3 at an elevation intermediate the height of the wall, and the edge portion E of the diaphragm is gas-imperviously fastened to the a Hmaybeof sklrt poition It. The diaphra m o bucket shape as indicated in Flgure 3, comprisin a cylindrical body portlonll and a su G tia lly fiat bottom portion it, this diaphragm. being capable of adjusting itself by deformation to a formm ani 1 1 in the tank, for example by spondingly varying dianmilar fold it of correat D1 and D2 in Figure 3. "ldlcated The edge portion E of the diaphragm as shown 1 in Figure 3 as well as in Figures 5 and 6 has an outwardly and downwardly turned-over cuff-like terminal portion 20 fastened face to face to the downward skirt portion is of the horizontal flange iii. The fastening means comprise a flat holding strip 2| of suitable resiliently deflectable material such as a metal strip, bolts with washers 22 and 22 as well as nuts 23, and with a. compression coil 23 interposed between washers 22 and 22*. However, the spring washers may be formed as a single piece unitary with a compression coil, or they may constitute a compression coil spring.

The horizontal flange i5 is basically circular and is relatively quite narrow along the major portion of its periphery, namely over a portion or circular length defined by the obtuse angle A1 in Figure 2, but the flange deviates inwardly from the circular contour by forming what in the plan view of Figure 2 appears as an inward shallow bulge the extent of which peripherally measured may be defined by the acute angle A2 in Figure 2, which deviation large enough to provide a platform 2 2. accommodating a manhole 25 therein provided with and closed by a removable manhole cover 25, adapted to tightly close the manhole 25.

' symmetrically disposed with respect to the manhole 25 are a sampling and gauging pipe2'l' care of varying pressure conditions underneath the diaphragm, which are due to variations in tankcontentsand variations in pressure. In- .deed, the sampling pipe has another important purpose, namely that of gaugin the liquid level or height of liquid in the tank to furnish a measure for determining the. amount of gasoline or oil added or withdrawn, or bought, sold, or

, transferred; usually such a level or height determination is made by lowering a tape having at-" tached thereto a plumb bob or a combination sampling bob through the sampling pipe until it reaches the bottom of the tank or a sub platform, and then determinin the height of liquid which is indicated on the tape by a mark on a special paste which is rubbed onto the tape. However, in the present instance these two pipes assume additional importance because of the special manner in which they have been embodied in the environmental construction according to this invention, namely their structural relationship to theplatform 24. That is to say, these. pipes accordin to this invention must penetrate not only the fixed top of thetank but the latform 24 and while doing so they are iv l ded fl uid-imperviously into both the top 14 and the platform 24, so that accord ng to'this invention they assume the added function of serving as supporting members or stays for the platform 24, so that this platform will safely suport the load of an operator or tank mspector or of a working crew. A manhole 29 w1th t1ght closing cover is also provided in the top 14 of the tank and disposed directly above the manhole E5 latform 24.

l t ef ferring more particularly to the platform 2 1 as shown in the detailed Figure 4, it is to be noted thatthe actual length of the curved outi e of that platform, that length being lIldlCLted a, is t be equal t t length L: of the corresponding circular arch portion P (shown in dot-anddash) both lengths L1 and L2 having as a common basis of comparison the extent of the aforementlonedlangle A2, According to this invention the edge portion of the diaphragm is carefully measured and cut to present a full circle equal to the circular diameter of the skirt portion !6 of flange 15. Yet this circular outline will fit and adjust itself to the length L1 of the deviating outline or bulge presented by the platform 24 defined above, and in a manner that a smooth and foldless fitting of the diaphragm edge portion along its peripheral line of attachment to the tank wall is attain-able.

The configuration of the deviating curved outline 0 of the platform comprises a convex middle portion 01 a pair of concave end portions 05. and 0a, the convex portion merging smoothly with the concave portions, the concave portions in turn merging smoothly with the adjoining circular portions of the'flange l5. Moreover. the sha e of this configuration of the curved outline of the platform is further qualified by the fact that the radius R of the intermediate convex'portion 0 is appreciably larger than the radii R and R2 of the adjoining concave portions 01 and 02.

The maximum horizontal extent of the platform 24 from the tank wall inwardly is indicated at H, the platform thus to afford sufficient space for an operator or a crew to conveniently stand 011.. In this way an operator may inspect and survey the condition of the diaphragm fromthe platform 24, after he has lowered himself on to that platform through the upper manhole 29 in the tank top. By way of this platform, namely through the manhole 25 therein, the operator may descend directly into the space beneath the diaphragm, or a crew below may communicate with a crew above.

The man or crew when engaged in fastening the diaphragm, isthus enabled to work wholly from underneath the diaphragm while deriving safe working support from the tankv bottom and. without having to step upon the diaphragm or otherwise exposing the same to potential damage. For example, any tools or materials, if they should slip from the workmans grasp, willthus fell upon the tank bottom whence they can be readily retrieved without having done any damage to the diaphragm, rather than falling upon the diaphragm from above in which case the diaphragm may be damaged and retrieving is much more difficult. Furthermore, the tank interior may be scavenged in order to displace gas therefrom, by fresh air being forced sequentially through the lower and the upper tank spaces by way of the platform manhole while the same is open and the spaces communicate I &620400 "essmce atheinvention revolvestaround structural afeatiiresripertaimngtitoithegperipheral:portionof tthesxilaphragm and the ieassociated fastening amends :thereforsincluding the horizontal flange A25 swath skirt gzDOl'fiOn r t6 :-:and l the ,splatform 24 amthclnanholefi5'sandxnanholet-cover, 26,: it isi-mflha-temal rWllIh' respect-rte theyscopeaof the :invenntmnrwhatsshapepthe diaphragmassumes as it folelqwsz or. adinstszitselfl-tomariations :in the fluid dwnteritssof the tankmnor :has. the: exact manner .in wh ch the body portion of thediaphragmris atmlored orsshaped any :direcn-bearing uponthe azcsscneez nix this vinvention. Therefore, ,there are .imdicated in:- the 1 diagrammati gures 7. an zzggspectivelmtwo -itarianimn' 9 w eaidiaphnagm; sThatlfi i migphmgm 1: direct contactmg relationsm xwithth :li lfithetankas-the diap a-mfm uen l i compensating? circular mncentric ready, referred taabova in .con- I junction-withthaembodiment in Fi u s a 3, awhereasgfigure 8 shows ,an examp ,gphragmrMaaslprovided inthe domezD of thefixed gbgp of-va. tank; inavhich case the diaphr M2115 aofiamuch smallen. diameter than the. Figure 'lzdianhnasm .-M1 :and its a deformation .is determined andeefiected shy contact w with, a vapor; body of varying,volumeiorming abov thellevelS of the jl-liguid: contents .properoin-l the tank. g 'Whatsisc-claimed is:

l. A cylindrical tank having a closedtop for v--sto1'ir 1g -vaporizable liquids, which "comprises a mliquid-holding space; having inlet meansli'orc-conducting liquid ,into the space, discharge -means ,ior passing liquid. from .-.the .sspace, a gas- ,impervious diaphragm extending from '-wall to awall-eof the tank, tan inwardly extending flange -membergas impervionsly -securedvto'the .tankin-- -;termediatethe *he;ight of: the itank and havingits ;..f-reo edge portion gaseimperviouslyz fastened -to the diaphragm so that as subjected -.to warying fluid pressuro therebeneath 2 the diaphragm can rises-and fallth-rougnthe. openingi define'dbythe .-'.-fia-nge, the l-ifiange :including a horizontally in- .swa-rdly *protrudingplatform presenting a bulge in the circular-outlinerofthefiangeithebul e merging-with the-adjoining portions of the-.flange,- the dinner-edge oortioncof the :bulgebeing; connected rtmthe diaphragm along the :ioutlinexthereof, 1a

-rrnanhole in the platform-Ia coverjorethewman- .00

jzhole, :and means for "sealingly and zdetachably -rA tank 2 according to 'claim ,1; :inrwhichzthe :platforrn presents inplan -viewiarreiatirelyeshal- -?;:iow:;com*ex -oentralportion having on veachz side vno -thereof a flanking relatively shallowconcavespor- -*rtionemergingtangentially with the -centralxporthan as 'well was "with the adjoining-portions rof :the ;-fiange.

,3. The -apparatus according to-claim-Q,wherein o0 "ethej-linear measure of the" full circular outline: is requalwto-that of the deviating outline.

-Apparatusaccording to claim 1,-wherein the ,gplatform in plan view -is -;generally crescent- ,shapedhyheing bounded-on one-side-byana-rc .60 :ri-ofzthe tank while onthe other side by-a centrally convexly; curved- :bulge flanked :on each side "by eaneinwardly extending concave curved portion. 5. e-Apparatus'according to claim4,wherein:the

wradius of the curvature of the -convex 'bulge is greater'thanthe radius of eachof the -flanking rconcave portions.

- 6. Apparatusnaccording to claim; 1, wherein a roressiweeequalizin pipeextendsfrom outsideithe l usrates .the

tank top downwardly throughrtheimlatformssaidilfiutemlin :from '-:outside .51pipeshavingesealedl-relationshipwith twezlleasiwith-isaidplatform. saadymnas 1 .snpparatuslaccording to claim-1 where i I l q 1 1: 11118: pressureeequalizmgtplpe extendslf-rom outsidethe .5 etankr ol downwardly through the. platform, .said

glpipe having sealedwrelationship: with said to .as well aslwithtsaid platform: said ..pipe being-rigid- .l-yl and-lseahngly. connected-with.saidttop QSJVBH laslwith .said,platform: to. ,constitutea: supporting connected with. said top .,as well as with wsaid platform to. constitutesal supportingmember'." for the platform withrespecti to saidtop.

..10.. lpparatus according toaclaimd, whereima pressure:equalizing pipe land a liquidesarnpling 25 rland gauging pipe extendjroml outside the tank .g topdownwardly thrOughLthe platform. to. a, point 4 Vtherebeneath saidf. pipes being rigidly and 7862.1- ingly connected with saidtop as well as with .said platform to constitute l supportinglmembers for -the;platfornri with. realest to said top, said gpipes being GEDOSBdQSUDStEHtiaHY symmetrically hwithrespect to the :central;portion of the platjform.

1.1. .fApparatus accordin ito claim. 1," wherein a 35 pressure equalizing pipe and la lignid sampling .and gaugingpipe extend from outside the tank :top downwardlylthroughlthe platform to a point 'ther'ebeneath, vsaid; pipes being rigidly 'and;sealingly connecte'd'with said..top as well as with said 4 platform for serving" as supporting members for lthe ,platform' with; respect to said top and also being disposed substantially" symmetricallywith respect to the central portionofytheiplatform.

12.gA icylindrical tank having "a closed; top 'for'storing'vaporizable liquids comprising" aliquid "holdingspace' having "inlet meansfortconducting ,liquid into the space ,and discharge means for -passing"liguidiromthe space, a gas-impervious "diaphragm *extending from wall to wall or "the -tank;aninwardly-extending flange member gas- Iirnpreviously '"secure'd to the tank intermediate "TthFhI-Elfiht df the tank 'andhaving -a "downwardly "extending? flange'on its inner end,-openings in the dQwnwardl-ye extending fiangefor receiving bolts, fthe free: edge or the diaphragm extending down- "wardly toward thebottom or the tank and lying "adjacent the inner surface of the downwardly extending flange, "a fiat ring overlying the Tree -edge-of thediaphragmmoltspassing through the :ring, diaphragm and openings in the -downwafd- *lyextending flange to thereby gas-imperviously 'fastenithe diaphragm to'the inwardly extending f'flange so that the diaphragm "can {rise-"and fall "throughthe opening defined by the flange *as it is subjected to varying fluid pressure therebeneath, the flange including a horizontally -in- "wardly protruding platform presenting ea i bulge irinthe' circular 'outline of: the flange and :having 5a downwardly extending :ffiange 'integralithere- 0 ewith;the;bulgexmerging--;with thetad-joiningporationsxoflthezfiange wit-lithe diaphragmzconnected .totthe downwardly extendingffiangecof the-bulge nalong *the. outline. ;.thereof ra pressure :sequalizing xn p randaali nid's mplingeandizeaugingmipeaex- "rthe "tank downwardly through the tank and through the platform to a point therebeneath, the pipes being rigidly and sealingly connected with the top and with the platform and serving as supporting members for the platform with respect to the top, the pipes being disposed substantially symmetrically with respect to the bulge in the circular outline of the flange, a manhole provided in the platform and disposed in the space intermediate the pipes, a cover for the manhole, and means for sealingly and detachably fastening the cover to the manhole, whereby repairs to the lowerportion of the tank or diaphragm may be accomplished by a repairman passing through the manhole into the lower portion of the tank and underneath the diaphragm.

ALEXANDER F. FINO.

FRED L. PLUMMER.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Number Name v Date Pew Apr. 17, 1928 Ellis Oct. 7, 1941 Wilkin Jan. 13, 1942 Plummer Dec. 11, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Germany Nov. 28, 1882 Great Britain Mar. 7, 1929 

